Next Steps

Online Counseling

Also known as telepractice, cyberpsychology, telementalhealth, behavioral telehealth, and online or virtual therapy, web based counseling is providing a psychotherapy service that is not “in person” and is facilitated through the use of technology. Family Innovations uses a secure, encrypted web-based platform, with a ‘virtual office’ accessible only to the client and the therapist, and with the therapist ‘locking’ the virtual office when the client and therapist can view one another in the virtual office so as to ensure no other persons may enter. Web-based counseling is subject to all practice and ethical considerations discussed in this document and in the law, rules and regulations governing licensed practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

What You Should Know About Online Therapy

Possible limitations to web-based counseling include but are not limited to:

• Cultural differences; language barriers;
• Inconsistency of internet connection; lack of client access to a webcam;
• Disruptions such as phone calls or other individuals who may interrupt the client’s
• Home, office or other environment while meeting with their therapist virtually.

Any of these disadvantages may impact the delivery of services. Clients will be asked to provide off-line contact information such as a phone number in case of a technology breakdown or loss of internet connection. In cases of internet or technology failure, the session can NOT be continued via telephone, but will rather be rescheduled.

The Benefits of Online Therapy

Advantages of web-based therapy include but are not limited to: high level of confidentiality due to the secure nature of web-based therapy, and the ability for clients to address mental health concerns as if in an office setting; the only difference is that the client and therapist are meeting in a ‘virtual office’ rather than a clinic office.

• Allow client to attend virtual sessions from home or office
• Convenience of and less time required for attendance of regular therapy sessions
• No travel to clinic
• High level of confidentiality due to the secure nature of web-based therapy

Today’s technology has really improved and meeting with you therapist can be much more convenient online.

Community-based Counseling

Those on Medicaid and Medical Assistance have the opportunity to bring Family Innovations counselors and therapists into their homes for child, family, and individual adult therapy.

What You Should Know About Community-based Therapy

Possible limitations to web-based counseling include but are not limited to:

Family Innovations provides home-based mental health services through Medical Assistance, for children, adolescents, adults, and families across the Twin Cities as well as the community of Alexandria, Minnesota.

Why Work with Family Innovations

We are a certified service provider through the Minnesota Department of Human Services as a Children’s Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) provider, and as an Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARHMS) provider.

Children ages birth through 18 (and at times to age 21) who are enrolled in Medicaid or Medical Assistance are eligible for home-based counseling services.

Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services are intended to help in the rehabilitation of people over 18 years old who suffer from mental illness or traumatic brain injury. The services help patients develop and enhance stability and core competencies (such as personal and emotional health) as well as give them the the tools of medication training and monitoring, and primary social and living skills.